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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.